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LymphomaJune 2021Summary reviewed August 2026

Targeted Antibody Therapy Shrank Lymphoma in 48% of Patients

Loncastuximab tesirine worked for patients whose aggressive blood cancer had stopped responding to other treatments. Nearly half saw their tumors shrink, and one in four patients saw their cancer disappear completely. The study included 145 people who had tried at least two other treatments without success.

What the trial was testing

The LOTIS-2 enrolled 145 patients with lymphoma. The study was sponsored by ADC Therapeutics S.A. and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

48% of patients with treatment-resistant lymphoma responded to this targeted antibody therapy.

The Lancet. Oncology · 2021 · NCT03589469

These findings — that nearly half saw their lymphoma shrink or disappear after other treatments failed — were published in the The Lancet. Oncology and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 145 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with lymphoma, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This treatment is FDA-approved and available now for people with this type of blood cancer who have tried at least two other treatments. It's given through an IV every three weeks. Ask your doctor whether this therapy might be right for you, especially if other treatments haven't worked.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.